ERITREA PRESSES FOR IMPROVED RELATIONS, FAILS TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 USUN NEW YORK 000895

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/13/2019
TAGS: PREL UNGA UNP PGOV PTER KPKO ET SO
SUBJECT: ERITREA PRESSES FOR IMPROVED RELATIONS, FAILS TO
ACKNOWLEDGE DESTABILIZING ROLE

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Classified By: Ambassador Susan Rice. Reason: 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) SUMMARY. During a September 28 meeting with
Ambassador Rice and AF DAS Fitzgerald, Eritrean Foreign
Minister Osman Saleh and Presidential Advisor Yemane
Ghebreab underscored their desire to improve relations with
the United States, while denying that Eritrea is fueling the
insurgency in Somalia. Ghebreab stated that a new political
settlement including a wider base of opposition groups is
required for a lasting peace in Somalia, and that Eritrea
wishes to work with the U.S. to achieve this goal. Saleh
and Ghebreab failed to acknowledge that Eritrea occupied
Djiboutian territory, but expressed interest in solving the
long-standing border dispute. END SUMMARY.

Eritrea "Ready and Serious" about Improving Relations
-------------- --------------


2. (C) In a September 28th meeting with Ambassador Rice and
Bureau of African Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary
William Fitzgerald, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh
and Presidential Advisor Yemane Ghebreab stated they were
"ready and serious" about improving bilateral relations
with the U.S., noting that the current situation is
undesirable. Ambassador Rice cited Eritrea's failure to
embrace previous opportunities to improve the relationship,
including rejecting a call from Secretary Clinton, while e
mphasizing that quick and tangible signs of change are now
needed. Ghebreab stated that, "nothing is more important
than improved relations with the U.S.," stressing that
President Isaias is now willing to talk with Secretary
Clinton and welcomes a visit by A/S Carson. Ghebreab
pointed to two recent letters sent by President Isaias to
President Obama, in which he offered to send a delegation
to the United States for talks, as examples of progress.
Ambassador Rice underscored the need for concrete action to
match Eritrea's words, pointing to steps that can be taken
quickly, including the acceptance of U.S. Ambassador to
Eritrea Ronald McMullen's credentials.

Desire for Constructive Engagement in Somalia
--------------


3. (C) Foreign Minister Saleh stressed that Eritrea wishes
to work with the U.S. to improve conditions in Somalia,
stating that, "instead of talking about consequences, we
can engage to solve problems together." Ghebreab
insisted that Eritrea is not sending weapons, airplanes
or money to the insurgency in Somalia, and that al-Shaabab
is dangerous both to Somalia and the region as a whole. In
response to Ambassador Rice's question on whether Eritrea
has ever fueled the insurgency in Somalia, Ghebreab first
responded only in present tense, saying no, but later when
pressed switched to the past tense. Ghebreab stated that
while Eritrea does not oppose the TFG, it believes that a
wider political settlement, including Puntland, Somaliland,
Hizbal Islam and certain individuals within al-Shaabab, is
necessary to broaden the base and achieve a peaceful
solution. Responding to a question from Ambassador Rice
about whether Eritrea would recognize the TFG as the
foundation for an inclusive settlement, Ghebreab stated he
is not opposed to this idea as long as the TFG does not,
"burn bridges with others." Ambassador Rice stated that
while it is not inconceivable that other opposition groups
be brought in to peace talks, al-Shaabab could not be
included, as it is a terrorist group not a responsible
political party. Ghebreab said that Eritrea is in daily
contact with the TFG and believes that peace can be brought
to Somalia if the U.S. and Eritrea work together on a new
political settlement.


4. (C) In response to FM Saleh's statement that there is
no proof that Eritrea has supported the insurgency in
Somalia, Ambassador Rice noted the strong evidence and
stated that Eritrea's expressed desire for improved relations
would
be more credible if it was willing to acknowledge its role in
Somalia. Ghebreab emphasized that Eritrea wishes to, "get
Somalia
back on its feet," and rejects claims that Eritrea is using
instability in Somalia as a tactic to "get to" Ethiopia.
Ghebreab explained that he cannot demonstrate that Eritrea
is not supplying weapons or money to the insurgency as it

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is impossible to demonstrate something that Eritrea is not
doing. He emphasized that Eritrea is "a constructive
player in Somalia" and is working with countries in the
region and international organizations to find a solution.
Ambassador Rice stated that the Security Council believes
that Eritrea is not playing a constructive role and that
the burden of proof is on Eritrea to demonstrate otherwise.

Interest in Addressing Border Dispute
--------------


5. (C) Ambassador Rice noted Eritrea's failure to comply
with UNSCR 1862 regarding the border dispute with Djibouti
and that a lack of progress leaves the Security Council
with few options. Saleh stated that Eritrea was condemned
by the Security Council before the facts were ascertained,
adding that the dispute began when Eritrea responded to an
armed attack from Djibouti and the Djiboutian President
threatened war in the Security Council. Saleh failed to
acknowledge that Eritrean occupied Djiboutian territory,
but stated that Djibouti has mounted a negative public
relations campaign against Ertirea and is benefiting by the
dispute. Ghebreab lamented that the Eritrean-Ethiopian
border dispute is not taken as seriously by the Security
Council, while emphasizing that in spite of this imbalance,
"progress is underway to resolve the border dispute with
Djibouti quietly." Ghebreab said that Eritrea is now
talking with the UN's Department of Political Affairs, and
concerned countries, adding that, "Eritrea is willing if
Djibouti is willing."


6. (C) The meeting concluded with Foreign Minister Saleh
underscoring Eritrea's hope to improve bilateral relations,
including by working together on Somalia and Sudan, among
other Horn of Africa issues. Ambassador Rice reiterated
that Eritrea's actions must be concrete and fast, otherwise
the Security Council will be compelled to take action.


7. (C) Comment: The meeting was notable for Gebreab's
efforts to stress repeatedly Eritrea's desire for improved
bilateral relations. However, beneath these statements,
there was no/no beef - only disingenuous refutations of
Eritrea's support for extremists in Somalia, bald-face
denial of any wrong0doing vis--vis Djibouti, and refusal
to demonstrate any movement on outstanding issues in the
bilateral relationship. Regrettable, Ambassador Rice
and DAS Fitzgerald heard nothing to change the USG's
current assessment and strategy regarding Eritrea.
End Comment.

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